United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1889

by the UN General Assembly

1889 (XVIII). Question of Southern Rhodesia

The General Assembly,

Having examined the question of Southern Rhodesia,

Recalling its resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, 1747 (XVI) of 28 June 1962 and 1760 (XVII) of 31 October 1962, the resolution adopted on 20 June 1963 by the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and General Assembly resolution 1883 (XVIII) of 14 October 1963,

Having considered the report of the Special Committee on the question of Southern Rhodesia, in particular with regard to the continued denial to the vast majority of the African population of their basic political rights,

Bearing in mind the contents of the reports of the Secretary-General submitted on 19 December 1962 and 6 June 1963,

Bearing also in mind the oral petitions presented to the Fourth Committee,

Taking into consideration the decisions concerning decolonization taken at the Summit Conference of Independent African States held in May 1963 at Addis Ababa, particularly those relating to Southern Rhodesia,

Deeply concerned at the explosive situation existing in Southern Rhodesia owing to the denial of political rights to the vast majority of the African population and the entrenchment of the minority régime in power,

Mindful of the aggravation of the situation in Southern Rhodesia, which consitutes a threat to international peace and security,

Being aware that the settler minority government of Southern Rhodesia has requested the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to grant independence to the Territory under the 1961 Constitution, the abrogation of which has been requested by the General Assembly,

1. Approves the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, particularly its conclusions and recommendations, and expresses appreciation for its work;

2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Southern Rhodesia to self-determination and independence;

3. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his efforts in connexion with the question of Southern Rhodesia;

4. Expresses deep regret that the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has not implemented the various resolutions of the General Assembly on Southern Rhodesia;

5. Calls upon the Government of the United Kingdom not to accede to the request of the present minority government of Southern Rhodesia for independence until majority rule based on universal adult suffrage is established in the Territory;

6. Once more invites the Government of the United Kingdom to hold without delay a constitutional conference in which representatives of all political parties of the Territory will take part with a view to making constitutional arrangements for independence, on the basis of universal adult suffrage, including the fixing of the earliest possible date for independence;

7. Urges all Member States, in particular those having the closest relations with the Government of the United Kingdom, to use their influence to the utmost with a view to ensuring the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the people of Southern Rhodesia;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to lend his good offices to promote conciliation in the Territory, as stated in paragraph 4 of resolution 1760 (XVII), and to report both to the General Assembly during the eighteenth session and to the Special Committee on the results of his efforts;

9. Decides to keep the question of Southern Rhodesia on the agenda of its eighteenth session.

1255th plenary meeting,

6 November 1963.